2023-24 Morris/Sussex boys basketball team-by-team preview capsules

NJAC-LIBERTY

Hanover Park

Coach: Todd Hartman, 20th season

Last season: 14-13

Returning letter-winners: Sr. PG Ryan Dominquez; Sr. G Anthony Reyes; Sr. G/F Alex Reyes; Sr. G/F Johnny Karpinski; Sr. G Rocco Salvatore; Sr. G/F James Mochnal; Sr. F Joel George; Sr. F Alvin Mathew; Jr. G/F Tom DeTitta; Sr. F Michael Farrell; Sr. G/F Odera Orjiekwe; Jr. G Michael Giordano.

Newcomers: Jr. G/F Chris Faccia; Jr. F Justin Nunes; Jr. G Chris Adesso; Jr. F Berke Ertin.

Outlook: Versatile, experienced Hanover Park will be led by 10 seniors.

Kinnelon

Coach: David Kessinger, second season

Last season: 15-10, NJAC-Independence champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Nick Canariato, Sr. Dylan Charles; Jr. Ryan Geng; Jr. Zach Grande; Jr. Jace Marone.

Outlook: The veteran Colts are aiming at qualifying for the NJSIAA Tournament.

Madison

Coach: Joe Reel, seventh season

Last season: 20-9, NJAC-Liberty champion; Morris County Tournament finalist

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Tommy Bland; Sr. G Marco Rosselli; Sr. G/F Jackson Maloney; Sr. G Quinn Regan; Sr. F Brandon Quintero; Sr. G Daniel Dacey; Jr. G Evan Colao; Jr. G Michael Liddy; So. G Gavin Randall.

Newcomers: Sr. F Greg Randall, Jr. F Scott Sullivan; Jr. G/F Cuyler Phillips, Jr. F Conor Rodin, So. G Luke McGuire.

Outlook: The Dodgers hope to build on last winter's success.

Morris Catholic

Coach: David Grande, 13th season

Last season: 18-9

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Michelangelo Oberti; Sr. G Davide Rossini; Sr. G Michele Pesenti; Sr. G Nate Narcisse; Sr. G Brady Cox; Sr. F Pietro Roversi; Jr. G Cristian Nicholson; So. G/F Austin Workman; So. G/F Conor Lee; So. G Kyle Dixon.

Newcomers: Jr. G Mattia Bacchelli.

Outlook: Oberti leads the experienced Crusaders.

Parsippany Hills

Coach: Mike Herzenberg, 10th season

Last season: 11-14

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Julio Tatis; Sr. G Simeon Washington; Sr. G/F Braylon Moore; Sr. G Joey Ciccotelli; Sr. G Matt Fifo; Jr. F A.J. Herre; So. G/F Nick Vico.

Outlook: Deep Parsippany Hills is relying on team speed and experience.

NJAC-INDEPENDENCE

Boonton

Coach: Jabari Jackson, third season

Last season: 9-17

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Charlie Hurd (18 ppg., 10 rpg.); Jr. G Sylas White; Sr. G Nick Dicio; Sr. F Dominic De La Rosa; Sr. G Jayson DeJesus; Jr. F Joshua Lee; So. G/F Antonio De La Rosa.

Newcomers: Sr. G Jeremy Lee; Sr. G Paul Esteves; Sr. F Dylan Cannizzaro; Jr. G Layne Cirinelli; Jr. G Busisa Mjbolie; So. G Walter Hedblom Green; Fr. G Isaiah Cole.

Outlook: The defense-first Bombers plan to compete for the NJAC-Independence title and qualify for the NJSIAA Tournament.

Dover

Coach: Justin Adam, first season

Last season: 12-12

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Josh Quiles; Jr. Joel Castro; Jr. Ibrahim Ahmed; Jr. Emilio Mendez.

Outlook: The young Tigers are building a culture of success.

Morristown Beard

Coach: Marquis Webb, first season

Last season: 4-22

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Micah Liebowitz; Jr. Griffin Halpert; Jr. Kevin Sokolowski.

Newcomers: So. G Nick Anderson; Fr. G M.J. Jarrell.

Outlook: The Crimson are developing.

Mountain Lakes

Coach: Jeff Reid, first season

Last season: 8-18, 2-8 NJAC-Liberty

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Ben Miniter; Sr. G Sebastian Ariano; Sr. G Alexi Couwenberg; Sr. C Cosmo Fusco; Jr. C John Daniel; Jr. G Loren Sund.

Newcomers: Sr. F Marco Dzamba; Sr. F Justin Brennfleck; Jr. F Gianluca Defazio; Jr. G Luke Davi; Jr. F Evan Reinbach; So. F Shaun Galloway; So. F Holden Gillespie.

Outlook: Reid inherits a deep, experienced squad from John Bydook, the coach for 18 years.

Parsippany

Coach: Jeffrey Principe, 10th season

Last season: 8-13

Returning letter-winners: Jr. PG Arthur Smith; So. G David Niedermaier; So. G Thomas Niedermaier.

Newcomers: Sr. G Shane Ahn; Sr. F Charles Cordasco; Sr. G Joseph Croat; Sr. F Jerin George; Sr. G Gabriel Go; Jr. G Sean Deristin; Jr. G Zach Reyes; Jr. F Justin Zitelli; Jr. F Milan Vega; So. C Advait Pandit; So. G Yusef Qasemi.

Outlook: Small and inexperienced, the Red Hawks are relying on solid guards.

Pequannock

Coach: Brandon Horetsky, first season

Last season: 16-9, 6-4 NJAC-Liberty

Returning letter-winners:Sr. F Karson Culuko (23.8 ppg.); Sr. G Aaron Santana; Sr. G Billy Donnelly; Jr. C Dylan Tomaskovic (10 ppg.); Jr. C Luke White; Jr. C Donovan Cassel; Jr. John Foti; Jr. Nick Kolatac; Jr. Joe Heaney.

Newcomers: So. Jack Picardo; So. Braydon Van Lenten; So. Sef Bajraktarevic; So. Ryan Hayzler; So. Derek Cezepiel.

Outlook: Horetsky inherits a deep, experienced roster from Jeff DeBell, the coach for 16 years.

Whippany Park

Coach: Brady Mahar, 10th season

Last season: 7-17

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Mikey Ahern; Sr. G Gavin Giangeruso; Sr. G Danny Sierchio; Sr. F George Hemmer; Sr. C Alex Ruvo; Sr. F Ryan Turnbull; Jr. G Thomas Moran.

Newcomers: Jr. F Colin Burke; Jr. G Benjamin Conforti; Jr. G Dylan Morgenroth; Jr. C William Stamm; So. G Brandon Giangeruso; So. F Nicholas Rocco.

Outlook: Veteran Whippany Park hopes to add to its winning tradition.

NJAC-FREEDOM

Hackettstown

Coach: Mike McDonagh, 15th season

Last season: 15-8

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Ryan Due; Sr. G Aidan Durna; So. PG Sean Hall; So. F Troy Strelec.

Newcomers: So. G Matthew Gunther; So. G Aidan Murphy; So. G Myles Hatton; So. F Kyle Larga; So. F Daniel Gubernat; So. C Daniel Suarez; So. G Jonathan Messaye; So. C Joe Kraley.

Outlook: Watch out for Hackettstown's large sophomore class.

Jefferson

Coach: Joe DiGennaro, 27th season

Last season: 17-7, NJAC-Freedom champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Luke Delacruz; Sr. G Jeff Evans; Sr. F Timmy Buttenmuller; Sr. F Lihith Koneru; Sr. F Jacob Zujewski; Jr. G Calen Reid.

Newcomers: Jr. G Lorenzo Gonzalez; Jr. G Jameson Reid; So. G Jaden Foster; So. G Noah Delacruz; So. F John Campbell.

Outlook: The Falcons are rebuilding after graduating their starting five.

Lenape Valley

Coach: Dan Moylan, 20th season

Last season: 12-11, 6-4 NJAC-Freedom

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Anthony Kali (8.7 ppg.); Sr. F Gabe Quarranttey (6.8 ppg., 8 rpg.).

Newcomers: Sr. G David Rubenstein; Sr. F Dylan Van Tuyl; Sr. G Keith Wagner; Jr. G Stephen Moodie; So. F Matt Ackerman; So. G Tyler Brennan; So. F Ryan O'Toole; So. G Isaac Smith-Lewis; So. F Ben Suminski.

Outlook: The Patriots plan to step up to a challenging out-of-conference schedule.

Newton

Coach: Paul Filan, second season

Last season: 7-16

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Cooper Armstrong; Sr. G Dom Celi; Jr. G Max Maslowski.

Newcomers: Sr. G Kasai Goritski; Sr. F Kevin Koslowski; Jr. F Jack Hunterdon; Jr. G Jahvell Akade; Jr. F Kai Moody; Jr. G Ayden Babakissina; So. G/F Nick Kurilko.

Outlook: Keep an eye on Maslowski, one of Newton's few veterans.

Vernon

Coach: Connor Healy, fifth season

Last season: 22-4, 10-0 NJAC-Colonial champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Ben Jurewicz (8.3 ppg., 8 rpg., 1.1 apg.); Sr. F Dhamir Morfe-Chess (3.5 ppg., 2.7 rpg., 1 apg.); Jr. G Alex Fessel (14.3 ppg., 3.9 rpg, 3.6 apg.)

Newcomers: Jr. G Aden Karwoski; So. G Dylan Heykoop.

Outlook: Vernon hopes to compete for the NJAC-Freedom title and make runs in the HWS and NJSIAA Tournaments.

Wallkill Valley

Coach: Ed Paiva, seventh season

Last season: 12-15

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Nick Gibson; Sr. Jaden Galarza; Jr. Dylan Klackowski; Jr. G Ryan Geene.

Newcomers: Sr. Jack Veith; Jr. Ethan Munoz; Jr. Indo Ortez; Jr. Jacob Lorenzo-Joqueth; So. Chris Bila; So. Tyler Haberstroh.

Outlook: The Rangers will improve.

NJAC-COLONIAL

High Point

Coach: Jesse Strehl, 13th season

Last season: 12-12

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Brayden Franko; Sr. PG Jacob Guints; Jr. G Noah Reilly.

Newcomers: Sr. C Kyle Willis; Jr. G Kyle Morsell; So. G Aiden Hamilton; So. G Slade Muller; So. F Colin Tennant.

Outlook: The Wildcats hope to be more competitive.

Hopatcong

Coach: Vinny Marinoni, third season

Last season: 2-18

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Pete Malizzi; Jr. G Sean Attas; Jr. G T.T. Stupar; Jr. F Kevin Kruczek; Jr. F Evan Mathesius; So. F Mike Certo.

Newcomers: Sr. G Mekai Douglas; Sr. F Victor Soto-Ortiz; Sr. G Danilo Lalo; Jr. F Anthony Norelli; Jr. G Jeremiah Torres.

Outlook: The experienced Chiefs expect to compete in the NJAC-Colonial.

Kittatinny

Coach: Michael Lupo, first season

Last season: 10-13

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Brady Strong; Sr. F Hunter Thibault; Sr. G Joey Allison; Sr. G Tyler Chodack; Sr. F Sal Lombardo; Jr. F Connor Logan.

Newcomers: Sr. G Jesse Waldron; Sr. F Dominic Buff; Jr. G Joey DePaola; Jr. G Luke Kramer; Jr. G Aaron Pflugfelder; So. F Vinny Falchetta; Fr. G Michael Strong.

Outlook: Lupo inherits an improving squad from Patrick McCarney, now the Montville girls basketball coach after five years at Kittatinny.

Morris Tech

Coach: A.J. Prentice, 11th season.

Last season: 4-18

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Tyler Pezzino; Sr. F Cam Purrington; Sr. G Mike Kratzel; Sr. G Varun Patel; Jr. C Stewart Merritt; So. PG Albert Zhang.

Outlook: The veteran Devils hope to finish above .500.

North Warren

Coach: Rob Steingall, second season

Last season: 8-17

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Christian Otufale; Sr. G Luke Stefankiewicz; Sr. G Lucas Csezmadia; Sr. F Maximus Hambos.

Newcomers: Sr. G Jay Klecka; Sr. F Dylan Considine; Sr. G Alex Diego; So. G Wilman Diogene; So. G Broderick Mantz; So. F Calvin Otufale; Fr. G Zach Paesler.

Outlook: North Warren hopes to compete in the NJAC-Colonial, qualify for the NJSIAA Tournament, and finish over .500.

Sussex Tech

Coach: Andrew Carbone, eighth season

Last season: 6-18

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Eliot Griner; Sr. G/F Shawn Garrison; Sr. G/F Justyn Hetman; Sr. F Dane Walker; Sr. G Will White; Sr. G Anthony Schneider; Sr. G Dean O'Dell; Sr. F Nathan Carter; Jr. G Daniel Cunha; Jr. G Brian Gruber; Jr. G Jeremiah Fontanez; Jr. Kayden Osterhoudt; So. Ryan Marks.

Newcomers: Jr. Brandon Sangorski; Jr. Andrew Stoffels.

Outlook: Senior-led Sussex Tech hopes to qualify for the NJSIAA Tournament for the first time since 2010.

NJAC-NATIONAL

Montville

Coach: Bill Medina, 15th season

Last season: 7-15

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F J.T. Cascarico; Jr. G Logan McBurney (10 ppg.); Jr. G Anthony Feaster (5.9 ppg.).

Newcomers: Jr. G Corey Wang; Jr. G Luke Aiello; Jr. F Ben Bruchhauser; Jr. F Michael Ciullo; Fr. G Michael Colaiacovo; So. G Chris Ferrare; So. G Sean Pagan-Hicks; So. F Eddie Camaj.

Outlook: The veteran Mustangs hope to build on last winter's success.

Morris Hills

Coach: Andrew Maclay, 14th season

Last season: 14-11

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Chris Petit Frere (5 ppg., 6.5 rpg.); Sr. G Aidan Johnson; Sr. Cyrus Maclay (9.9 ppg); Jr. G Eshaan Bhansali; Jr. F T.J. Gordimer; Jr. G Eddie Jacko.

Newcomers: Jr. G Luke Tinney, So. F Andi Boljevic, So. A.J. Jimenez, So. G/F Stephen Shih, Fr. G Siddhang Bhansali.

Outlook: Morris Hills is replacing most of its scoring and experience.

Morris Knolls

Coach: Matt Brogan, eighth season

Last season: 18-9

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Sam Fallon; Sr. G/F Kieran Durkin; Sr. F Mike Knaack; Jr. G Justin Hanson.

Newcomers: So. G/F Brody Hallick; So. G/F Jack Bertram.

Outlook: Morris Knolls has an experienced core returning.

Mount Olive

Coach: Zack Heeman, third season

Last season: 7-16

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Jack Mullery; Sr. G Mysonne Nieves; Sr. G Anif Agodomou; Sr. G Micah Jones.

Newcomers: Jr. C Jabri Joseph; Jr. F Duron Rodriguez; So. F Mateo Casabal; So. F Elijah Robinson.

Outlook: The deep Marauders hope to challenge for the NJAC-National title and make a run in the NJSIAA Tournament.

Pope John

Coach: Lee Van Horn, third season

Last season: 4-21

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Ayden Aguiar; Sr. G Alex Grubbs; Jr. F Tyler Houser; Jr. G Anthony Schnabel.

Newcomers: Sr. F Chris Dietrich; Fr. G Deion Swift.

Outlook: Pope John is relying on newcomers as it shifts to the NJAC-National.

Roxbury

Coach: Ryan Kelley, fourth season

Last season: 5-17

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Chris DiTrolio; Sr. F Matt Collins; Sr. F Connor Patton; Sr. G Jake Morgan; Sr. G Joey Palanchi; Sr. G Eli Kali; Sr. F Mikey Temple; Jr. G Ryan Johannesen.

Newcomers: So. F Will Meribe; So. G Tyler Curtis.

Outlook: Veteran Roxbury expects to be more competitive.

NJAC-AMERICAN

Chatham

Coach: Todd Ervin, 32nd season

Last season: 18-6, NJAC-National champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Mike Tedesco; Sr. G Jack Dropkin; Sr. G Rohan Malhotra; Sr. G Remy deVarenne; Jr. F Quinn Burke; So. F Michael MacAniff; So. G Nicky Fabijanic; So. G Ryan Leach.

Newcomers: Jr. G Milind Talwalker; Jr. G Will DesMarais; So. F Marco Mannino.

Outlook: The Cougars are focusing on rebounding and defense.

Delbarton

Coach: Matt Crane, first season

Last season: 20-5, NJAC-American champion; two-time Morris County Tournament champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Michael Van Raaphorst; Sr. G Lincoln Zimmermann; Sr. PG Will McGinty; Sr. G Jake Bell; Sr. G Jimmy Hughes; Sr. F Johnny Riley; Jr. Andrew Chobor.

Newcomers: Sr. Andrew Casiano; Jr. Anthony Palumbo; Jr. Patrick Mahoney; Jr. Lucas Cardinale; Jr. Luke Azzinaro, Jr. Drew Costalos; So. Gunther Neumann; Fr. Austin Kolakowski.

Outlook: Crane inherits a veteran roster from Dan Whalen, the coach for more than 30 years, and is aiming at its third straight MCT title.

Mendham

Coach: Bill Connolly, fifth season

Last season: 21-8

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Brendan Brunnock; Sr. G Brady Kontely; Sr. G Marcus Mauriello; Jr. G Cole Capuzzi; Jr. G Kevin King.

Newcomers: Jr. F Sean Belenets; Jr. G Steven Lomelo; Jr. F Mike Moore; Jr. G Noah Villalobos; So. F Ajani Bowrin; So. G Jake Englese; So. G Brody Meisner; Fr. G Talon Wehmeyer.

Outlook: Mendham graduated four starters and 80% of its offense.

Morristown

Coach: Brian Martin, second season

Last season: 12-14

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Thomas Gleichman; Sr. G Leo Nardolillo; Sr. G Liam Daily; Jr. G Nathan Bain.

Newcomers: Sr. F Kahleel Harrington; Sr. G Will Crean; Sr. G Charles Lewis; Sr. F Ben Charles; Jr. F Chase Bright; Jr. F Max DeGeorge; Jr. G Owen DeGeorge; So. G Peter Babcock.

Outlook: The Colonials expect to compete in the NJAC-American.

Randolph

Coach: Nick Lavender, sixth season

Last season: 11-14

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Ryan Kress; Sr. F Rocco Albano; Sr. C Jake Miller; Sr. F Joey Errico; Sr. G Andrew Taurman; Jr. G Vincent LoVerde.

Newcomers: So. G Tristan Durkin, So. F Jack Leonard; Fr. F Andrei Nitulescu.

Outlook: Deep but inexperienced, Randolph is relying on its guards.

Sparta

Coach: Brian Brennan, 19th season

Last season: 15-10; Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Brandon Joefield; Jr. G Pat Connors; So. G Leshem Little.

Newcomers: Sr. G David Maasbach; Sr. G Luke Silvey; Sr. F K.J. DiStefano; Sr. F Nick Szabo; Jr. F Ty Conlee; So. F Chrystian Grubbs; So. F Hayden Kopco.

Outlook: Defense-first Sparta is adapting to five new starters.

West Morris

Coach: Mark Schartner, 11th season

Last season: 20-8, NJAC-American co-champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Michael Amador (9.3 ppg., 2.1 rpg., 2.2 apg.); Sr. F James Cleary; Sr. G/F Ryan Gorman; Sr. G Logan Rauschenberger; Jr. G/F Nick Rotundo (8.2 ppg.); Jr. G Jack Leonard (10.8 ppg., 4.4 rpg., 3.7 apg.)

Newcomers: Jr. G Dominic DiFiglia; Jr. F Will Kisatsky; Jr. G Anthony Rotundo; Jr. G Oryon Edouard; Jr. F Alex Miller.

Outlook: With three of their top four scorers returning, the Wolfpack must focus on defense.

Others

Veritas Christian

Coach: Armand Milanesi, second season

Last season: 22-12

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Evan Milanesi (16 ppg., 5 rpg., 3 apg., 3 spg.); Sr. F Nick Jetton (8 ppg., 2 spg., 2 apg.); Sr. G Ben Ryan (7 ppg., 3 spg., 2 apg.); Sr. C Gunnar Andersen (4 ppg., 5 rpg.); So. G Dallas Tanis.

Outlook: Veritas returns four starters including four-year point guard Evan Milaneski, and expects to compete against larger public schools.

This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: NJ boys basketball: Morris/Sussex team-by-team preview capsules